GMAT Exam 2025 – Registration, Fees, Exam Dates

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one of the most trusted exams for students planning to study MBA or other management programs around the world. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT measures your reasoning, problem-solving, and communication skills – all the abilities that top business schools look for in their students. 

A good GMAT score not only improves your chances of getting into a leading B-school but also shows that you’re ready to handle the challenges of a graduate business program. 

For 2025, the GMAT has introduced the GMAT Focus Edition, a shorter and smarter version of the traditional test. It comes with three main sections – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, and uses a new scoring scale from 205 to 805.  

The Focus Edition also lets you review and change up to three answers in each section, making the exam more flexible for test-takers. This new format focuses more on real-world business and analytical skills, helping students better prepare for modern business challenges. 

If you’re planning to apply for an MBA, Master’s in Finance, or other business-related programs, the GMAT is an important step in your journey. 

What’s New in GMAT 2025? 

Here is a breakdown of what’s new, the key differences from the old GMAT, and the benefits for you as a test-taker: 

Introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition (Updated Structure): 

The core change for the GMAT in 2025 is a more efficient, targeted, and shorter exam. 

Key Differences from the Old GMAT: 

GMAT Exam Dates 2025 

The GMAT is offered throughout the year, with no fixed exam dates. You can choose a test date that fits your schedule, whether you prefer weekdays or weekends. This flexibility allows you to plan your exam around your personal and academic commitments. 

Here’s the next available GMAT exam dates you can choose from:

How to Check Available Dates? 

To find and book your preferred GMAT test date: 

• Visit the official GMAT registration (mba.com) 
• Sign in or create a new account. 
• Select your preferred test centre or choose the online exam option. 
• Browse available dates and times and select the one that suits you best. 
• Complete your registration and payment. 

Tips for Booking Your Exam Slot Early: 

• Plan Ahead: Aim to book your exam at least 3–4 weeks before your application deadlines to ensure your scores are available on time. 
• Choose Off-Peak Times: Consider scheduling your exam during non-peak hours (e.g., mid-week mornings) to increase the likelihood of preferred dates and times. 
• Be Flexible: If your first choice is unavailable, have alternative dates or locations in mind. 
• Monitor Availability: Regularly check the official registration site for updates on available slots, as cancellations may open up new opportunities. 

GMAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students 

Before you start preparing for the GMAT, it’s important to know if you meet the eligibility requirements. 

Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to register and take the GMAT independently. If you’re between 13 and 17 years old, you can take the exam with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. 

Educational Qualifications: GMAC does not specify any minimum educational qualifications to register for the GMAT. However, most business schools require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree for admission into MBA or other graduate management programs. 

Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory to take the GMAT. 

Number of Attempts: You can take the GMAT up to 5 times within a rolling 12-month period. There is a minimum waiting period of 16 days between each attempt. The lifetime limit for GMAT attempts has been removed. 

Language Proficiency: The GMAT is administered in English. 

Identification Requirements: You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or Aadhaar card) to register and take the exam. If you’re taking the GMAT online at home, a valid UID card is accepted as proof of identification. 

GMAT 2025 Registration Process 

Ready to take the GMAT? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you register smoothly: 

Step 1: Create an Account on mba.com 

Visit the official GMAT – mba.com 

Click on “Sign Up” and provide basic information like your name, email address, and password. Verify your email to activate your account. 

Step 2: Start the Registration Process 

Log in to your mba.com account. Navigate to the “Exams” section and click on “Register”. Select the GMAT Focus Edition as your exam format. 

Step 3: Fill in Personal Information 

Provide details such as your address, educational background, and work experience. Ensure all information is accurate, as it will be used for score reporting and identification purposes. 

Step 4: Choose Your Test Delivery Method 

Decide whether you want to take the GMAT at a test centre or online at home. For test centre exams, select your preferred location and available date. For online exams, choose a date and time that suits you. 

Step 5: Upload Identification Documents 

Upload a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport or Aadhaar card). Ensure the ID matches the name used during registration. 

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee 

The GMAT registration fee is USD 275 (INR 24,000 approx.) for test centre exams and USD 300 for online exams. Payment can be made via credit/debit card or other available methods. 

Step 7: Confirm and Submit Your Registration 

Review all entered information for accuracy. Agree to the terms and conditions. Click “Submit” to complete your registration. 

GMAT 2025 Exam Fees (in INR in 2025) 

The standard fee for a test centre exam is USD 275 (around ₹23,500), and for the online exam, it’s USD 300 (approximately ₹25,600). These fees include sending your scores to up to five business school programs. 

There are some additional optional fees you might need to know about. For example, if you want to send your scores to more than five schools, each extra score report costs USD 35 (about ₹2,920). If you wish to get a detailed, enhanced score report, it costs USD 30 (around ₹2,500). 

Sometimes plans change, and you may need to reschedule or cancel your exam. If you reschedule more than 60 days before the exam, the fee is around USD 55–60. If it’s 15–60 days in advance, it goes up to USD 110–120, and if it’s less than 14 days, it can cost USD 165–180. 

Keep in mind that GMAT fees are subject to change due to currency fluctuations or GMAC updates. 

Top Global B-Schools Accepting GMAT 

The GMAT is accepted by over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 business schools worldwide. Your score is critical for admission to the most selective global institutions for MBA, Executive MBA, and Master in Management (MiM) programs. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the top global B-schools where a strong GMAT score can boost your chances: 

United States: 

• Harvard Business School 
• Stanford Graduate School of Business 
• Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania 
• MIT Sloan School of Management 
• Columbia Business School (CBS) 
• Yale School of Management (SOM) 

United Kingdom: 

• London Business School (LBS) 
• University of Oxford – Saïd Business School 
• University of Cambridge – Judge Business School 

Canada: 

• Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto 
• Ivey Business School, Western University 
• Schulich School of Business, York University 

Europe & Asia: 

• INSEAD (France/Singapore) 
• IE Business School, Spain 
• National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School 
• Indian School of Business (ISB), India 
• IIM Ahmedabad, India 
• IIM Bangalore, India 
• SPJIMR Mumbai, India 
• Great Lakes Institute of Management, India 

GMAT 2025 Results and Score Validity 

After completing the GMAT Focus Edition, you’ll see your unofficial scores – including your Total Score and individual section scores- immediately on-screen. However, these are not the final scores. Your official GMAT score report will be available in your mba.com account within 3–5 business days. In rare cases, it may take up to 20 business days. 

How Long Are GMAT Scores Valid? Your GMAT score is valid for 5 years from the date you took the exam. This means you can apply to business schools anytime within this period without needing to retake the test. 

Sending Your Scores to Schools: You can send your official score report to up to five programs for free within 48 hours of score availability. After this period, additional score reports can be sent for a fee, as long as your score is within the 5-year validity period. 

Planning Your MBA Abroad? Start Smart with Shuraa 

The GMAT 2025 is a crucial step for anyone planning to pursue an MBA or other business programs abroad. Knowing the exam pattern, syllabus, registration process, fees, and eligibility helps you plan better and feel more confident on test day. Starting your preparation early gives you more time to practice and improve your score. 

If you’re feeling unsure about which MBA program to choose or how to apply abroad, Shuraa Education can help. With expert guidance, personalized advice, and partnerships with top universities worldwide, Shuraa Education makes your journey toward studying abroad smoother and more confident. Take the first step today and get closer to your MBA dream.